12 February, 2026
… as senate leader, others rally support
The Ijero-Ekiti community, headquarters of Ijero Local Government Area in Ekiti State, is reeling from the aftermath of a devastating rainstorm that swept through the community on Wednesday, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
According to a statement by a community leader, Femi Alufa, the storm, which was accompanied by heavy rainfall and violent winds, lasted several hours, tearing off rooftops, collapsing weak structures and submerging streets and business premises, particularly in low-lying areas of the town.
Traders reportedly lost goods worth millions of naira as floodwaters inundated shops and market stalls.
Although no fatalities have been officially confirmed, many families have been displaced, while commercial activities were brought to a halt as residents struggled to salvage belongings from damaged buildings.
The Leader of the Senate and lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the incident as “deeply unfortunate” and extended his heartfelt condolences to the Owa Ajero and the entire Ijero-Ekiti community.
In a statement released by his office, Senator Bamidele said he was saddened by reports of the destruction and assured victims that he was closely monitoring the situation.
He commended the resilience and unity demonstrated by the people of Ijero-Ekiti and reaffirmed his commitment to the development and progress of communities within the district.
The Executive Chairman of Ijero Local Government, Julius Folowosele, expressed sympathy with affected residents and assured them of swift intervention.
He said the council would collaborate with relevant state emergency agencies to provide relief materials and tackle drainage challenges in order to mitigate future occurrences.
Similarly, the traditional ruler and Paramount Ruler of Ijero-Ekiti, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adebayo Adewole, alongside Ademola Ojo, member representing Ijero Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, sympathised with the people over the incident.
They assured victims that both the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) would be duly notified for necessary action.
Also, reacting to the disaster, the Chairman of the Owa Ajero Palace Commissioning Committee, Adekunle Obasa, also commiserated with victims, noting that the last time the community experienced a similar incident was 27 years ago, on February 14, 1999.
Describing the current tragedy as painful, he expressed hope that the community would, by God’s grace, “turn ashes into beauty.”
He called on spirited individuals, corporate bodies, philanthropists, and both state and federal governments to provide urgent support to affected residents.
In response to the scale of the damage, the committee formally launched the Ijero Appeal Fund for Victims of the Rainstorm of Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
In a statement signed by the Committee’s Secretary, Femi Alufa, sons and daughters of Ijero-Ekiti at home and in the diaspora, as well as friends and well-wishers, were urged to contribute financial and material assistance to help rebuild damaged homes and restore livelihoods.
“No contribution is too small. Every act of kindness will make a meaningful difference in helping our people recover,” the statement read.
Residents have continued to rally support for one another, even as preparations remain underway for the forthcoming Palace Commissioning Ceremony of His Imperial Majesty, scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026.
